Rest in peace Neil Armstrong. The moon landings were the work of many, but you were one of the few on the sharp end.
I am, and ever will be, a white-socks, pocket-protector, nerdy engineer -- born under the second law of thermodynamics, steeped in the steam tables, in love with free-body diagrams, transformed by Laplace, and propelled by compressible flow.
For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.
— Statement from the Family of Neil Armstrong at neilarmstronginfo.com[b]
Mission commander of the Apollo 11 moon landing
Command Pilot of Gemini 8
Graduated in 1955 with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering
Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon
Congressional Space Medal of Honor by President Jimmy Carter
Congressional Gold Medal in 2009